NE News ConsortiumYankees starter CC Sabathia is headed to the DL for the second time this year.

UPDATE: The Yankees signed recent released veteran right-hander Derek Lowe to join the bullpen, according to a person with knowledge of the team's thinking. Lowe, who was released by the Indians this week, is expected to join the team on Monday. In the meantime, Ryota Igarashi has been summoned for tomorrow's series finale against the Blue Jays.

Rookie David Phelps will start in CC Sabathia's place on Monday, according to the person with knowledge, who requested anonymity because the moves have not been announced.

More to come in a bit...

TORONTO -- The Yankees will place ace pitcher CC Sabathia on the 15-day disabled list with stiffness and inflammation in his left elbow.

The pitcher first complained about stiffness in his elbow after his Aug. 3 against the Mariners. But an MRI exam at the time showed no structural damage and the pain subsided, allowing Sabathia to make his next scheduled start on Wednesday against Detroit.

However, the stiffness returned, prompting the Yankees to make the move.

"If it’s September I’m not sure, if it’s October, I’m not sure what we do here," Yankees manager Joe Girardi said. "I think he makes his start. But the fact that it came back is a little concerning, and we want to wipe it out.”

Though Sabathia may receive a cortisone shot, he is not scheduled for more tests. Sabathia did not speak with reporters following the Yankees' 5-2 win over the Blue Jays.

The New York Daily News first reported this afternoon that Sabathia had felt soreness.
Sabathia iced his elbow before the game though manager Girardi said the pitcher was just doing "preventative stuff."

Sabathia is 12-3 with a 3.56 ERA this season. He missed three weeks in the middle of the season with a minor groin injury. It was his first trip to the disabled list since signing with the Yankees before the 2009 season.

When Sabathia's elbow stiffness returned following his start this week against the Tigers, Girardi said the Yankees spent much of the day debating internally whether to simply push Sabathia back from his scheduled start on Monday, which would have bought the Yankees more time to make a decision.

Instead, the Yankees will likely make the move retroactive to Thursday, which would allow Sabathia to return for a start on Aug. 24 at Cleveland.

In the meantime, the Yankees have yet to decide on a corresponding move, or on who will pitch in Sabathia's place on Monday.